I live in Playa del Carmen and was looking to get back into diving. When more than one of my local dive friends recommended Diversity Diving to me, I knew they had to be good. The competition around here is fierce!
I took a refresher course with them and was really happy with it. First of all, they own a pool that was specifically created for people to learn (or re-learn) how to scuba dive. Having seen how some other shops have to rent hotel or other private pools for diving instruction, I appreciated this touch. The instructor, Christina, was amazing, a great teacher and really personable. I plan to take more advanced courses with her.
I've gone on a few dives with them since then and they're great. They're right on 5th Avenue super close to the dive boat launch, but not in the middle of all the touristy nonsense on 5th, it's a much more laid-back and local feel. They know all the good diving spots and what weather conditions are favorable to which places. They can take you to dive locally near Playa or bring you farther out to Cozumel.
They're super friendly and have a great team, plus really cute dive shop dogs. After your dive you can hang out with them, drink a cold beverage and shoot the breeze. If you're wondering "where the locals go," this is it. read more